US, Iran Close to One-Page Deal to End War, Set Terms for Nuclear Talks

A draft memorandum could pause hostilities and launch negotiations on sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Silhouette profile of U.S. President Donald Trump on the left against a full-frame, waving Iranian flag(Image by Depositphotos) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The US and Iran are nearing a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and launching formal nuclear negotiations, Axios reported on Wednesday, May 6, citing multiple sources. According to the report , the two sides are working on a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would outline key commitments, including a temporary halt to Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities and a framework for broader talks. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Under the proposed deal, Iran would agree to a moratorium on uranium enrichment, while the US would begin lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. Both sides would also ease restrictions on transit through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The draft agreement would mark the closest the parties have come to a deal since the war began, though officials caution that no final agreement has been reached. The MOU is expected to declare an end to hostilities and initiate a 30-day negotiation period to finalize a comprehensive deal covering nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, and maritime access. US officials say they expect a response from Iran on key provisions within 48 hours, but note that divisions within Iran’s leadership could complicate efforts to reach a consensus. Negotiations are being conducted by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, both directly and through intermediaries. Among the key sticking points is the duration of a proposed enrichment moratorium, with discussions ranging from 12 to 15 years. Iran has reportedly proposed a shorter timeline, while the US is pushing for longer restrictions and stricter verification measures. Other Topics of Interest US Pauses Hormuz Escorts, Trump Says Progress on Iran Deal Despite pausing the ship escorts, Trump said a US blockade of Iranian ports “will remain in full force.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations remain complex but stressed the need for a “clear diplomatic solution,” while also expressing skepticism about whether Iran’s leadership will ultimately agree to the terms. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump urged Iran to “do the smart thing” and reach an agreement to end the conflict , saying he does not want further bloodshed even as a fragile ceasefire appears increasingly uncertain, AFP reported. Speaking to reporters, Trump said Washington remains open to a deal but warned that Tehran risks serious consequences if it violates the truce. “They should do the smart thing, because we don’t want to go in and kill people. Really don’t,” Trump said. A day earlier, Trump announced a US‑led operation to escort commercial vessels through strategic waterways, warning that Iran would be “blown off the face of the earth” if it attacks US ships. The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, with Tehran later responding with strikes on targets belonging to the US and US allies in the region. Following this, Trump accused Iran of “playing games” over negotiations to end the war, insisting any agreement must ensure Tehran does not acquire a nuclear weapon . Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.